Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education Salary and Career Information

If you are a fun-loving person who enjoys young children aged three to five, you may find fulfillment as a preschool teacher. Teaching preschool requires a lot of energy, patience and love, but a classroom full of joyful kids will give you satisfaction every day. And you'll find early childhood education salary projections to be promising, especially given the level of education required to become an early childhood education teacher.

• Read ahead to learn more OR
• Browse Early Childhood Teacher Education Programs Below

Life as a Preschool Teacher

As a preschool teacher, you will be responsible for meeting your students' physical needs while attending to their emotional and intellectual growth. A variety of tasks keep the job fresh, including art time, teaching time, free-play time and show-and-tell, along with changing themes and long-term projects. You will also participate in some of the same activities as elementary education teachers, such as parent-teacher conferences and field trips. But your main responsibility is to prepare your students for the educational environment they will encounter in kindergarten and beyond.

Early Childhood Education Salary Statistics

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the early childhood education salary for teachers in elementary schools was $37,800 in 2008. Although that's less than elementary school teachers make, it's almost $14,000 more than daycare workers earn. When deciding which profession to pursue, keep in mind that elementary teachers have higher degree and certification requirements. And, while you may earn less money with an early childhood education salary, you will enjoy the benefits of working with our youngest learners.

Preschool Teacher Schooling and Certification

State requirements for preschool teachers vary widely. Some states require just a high school diploma and some experience working with children, while others require a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Your early childhood education salary will depend on your particular level of education and experience. Requirements may also depend on the ages of the kids you teach, and whether you work at a daycare center, elementary school or private institution. For information on requirements in your area, contact your local Department of Education or the specific place you'd like to work.

When planning your early childhood education career, first find your state's licensure requirements. Then choose a school based on those requirements and your needs. Online associate's, bachelor's and post-graduate degree programs are available at the colleges listed below. If your state requires you to earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, contact the Council for Professional Recognition and enroll in an ECE certification course (also listed below).

Beyond Your Early Childhood Education Salary

Although teaching preschool won't bring you the kind of salary that some jobs in finance, business or computing offer, when you consider the level of education required and the flexibility the job provides, not to mention the exuberant joy on the faces of your students, your early childhood education salary is only one consideration in your career decision.

If you are looking to expand your education career options, you can pursue further education to become an elementary or secondary teacher, or move up into school leadership and administration.

If you are interested in pursuing early childhood education licensure, contact the schools below for information on meeting the teacher requirements in your state.

Online Early Childhood Teacher Education Programs

Campus-based Early Childhood Teacher Education Programs

Future Early Childhood Teachers: With some of the best universities in the country taking an interest in early childhood education, demand for highly educated early childhood teachers is on the rise. With increasing incentives that reward a teacher's education, there has not been a better time to become an early childhood teacher.

Current Early Childhood Teachers: There are few more qualified to understand the importance of proper child rearing and education than actual early childhood teachers. Below is a list of some of the top early childhood education programs that are offered.